Maldives Immigration has introduced the Seafarers Identity Document, a specialised passport card serving as official identification for seafarers.
The card will be granted to seafarers who have applied for it, replacing the previous use of Seaman's Service Book among Maldivians working on international vessels. The issuance of the special passport card aligns with the 2016 amendment to the International Labour Organisation.
Immigration Controller General Mohamed Ahmed Hussain anticipates that the card will address many challenges faced by Maldivian seafarers on foreign vessels. He also assures ongoing government efforts to enhance the situation in the future.
The government will issue the Seafarers Identity Document if individuals possess an expired passport card. Individuals can submit applications through the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to apply for the card.